OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County students go back to class on Thursday, but they won’t have to wear masks if they don’t want to.
The school board back in July made the decision to make masks optional, before there was a lot of information about the delta variant.
School board member Terry Castillo said the board made that decision, and it’s one she will have to live with. But given the rise in cases the last few weeks, she personally doesn’t agree with making masks optional.
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“I would like us to have masks mandated for the next 30 days at least, but I understand it’s not up to me,” she said. “I’d like to have this conversation openly.”
Castillo said she will watch the number of cases at the school and, if needed, will try to bring the topic back to the board before the first month is over.
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According to Monday’s numbers, there are 32 staff members and three students who are positive right now.
The school board meets next week. Masks remain optional within the school district for now.
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